Chris tightened his hold around Leo's neck and buried his face against his lover's neck.

"Thank you... thank you so much. I'll make you proud, I promise. You'll see."

--

Pike nodded slowly.

"Guess it's a good thing then that McCoy is the one who found my younger self after he got lost here in our universe," he said quietly. "I'll concede the point in your favor this time, little one. Get some rest. I'll join you in a little while."